Who doesn’t love to dress up every now and then, so you can go and get treated extra special for a day? So that’s why, on Saturday May 5th, I grabbed my friend Jenn and we headed off for a day at the races at Woodbine Race Track! With their 2nd Annual Derby Day in effect, we were given the opportunity to experience some live race-day action.

Held in the Trackside Tent, we were privy to a spectacular view of the track, with lots of comfortable seating and sunshine. Upon entering inside the tent, we were surrounded by a sea of all of the best-dressed people, with hats, fascinators, floral crowns and even top hats! Now, I’m not sure if you know this, but Woodbine sure knows how to throw a party.

A post shared by jennwanders (@jennwanders) on May 5, 2018 at 11:33am PDT

Our first stop, other than stuffing our faces with the delicious food being passed around, was to hit up the whiskey tasting bar for an old-fashioned. Other party activations included a beauty bar, cigar rolling, and food stations. Live music was pumping throughout the day by Toronto’s own Electric Blonde.

Being quite new to the betting world, my friend Jenn was able to school me on how to bet on the horses racing on site, and on the ones being streamed on the screens around the tent, showing the 144th running on the $2 million Kentucky Derby. Before placing my first official bet, we were whisked off on a tour of the starting gate, where we could check out all of the horses before they set off to race. I always had my eye on the wild and stubborn ones.

Although my predictions were a bit off, Jenn managed to walk away with some winnings for the day. One thing we both came away with though, was an incredible experience. We were so pampered, that at one point, Jenn exclaimed, “This is the life I deserve!” – which quickly became our motto for the day (or maybe even year at this point).

I’m so excited to head back to Woodbine Racetrack for the 159th Queen’s Plate Festival from June 29th to July 1st. Brad Paisley will be kicking off the festival on Friday June 29th, with what’s sure to be a show-stopping performance. The headliner for Saturday has just been announced as Canadian award-winning Sam Roberts Band. Additional festival musical acts will be announced in the coming weeks.

“This year’s Queen’s Plate Festival is going to be one for the record books. For the third year in a row, we’re bringing the ultimate fusion of sports, live music, fashion and food, continuing our status as the go-to event of the summer,” said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “With Brad Paisley and Sam Roberts Band as the musical talent, people are in for a thrilling ride.”

So, who wants to get dressed up with us and be treated to a fancy day at the races? Be sure to grab your tickets while they last. I’m sure we’ll be chomping at the bit! See you there, folks.

Be sure to follow along with my Instagram account! For more information and helpful tips, make sure to stay up to date with all things Health & Nutrition on my website, Catherine’s Cabinet.